Myth Buster #2 -- It's okay to leave my dirty socks around

We have all seen this when we go on tour: dirty socks on the floor (sometimes even underwear!!), dirty kitchen floor with cereal still on the floor and spaghetti sauces on the wall, black and moldy grout on the bathroom floor. It's unthinkable, but it's true. People do it, because they think "the buyers will understand." True, your buyers understand you have a busy lifestyle, you are too tired to pick up your dirty socks, they have all been there. BUT, YOUR BUYERS WILL NOT SEE PAST IT.

It's difficult for a total stranger to imagine himself/herself living in your home when your personal items (some very personal such as your socks and underwear) are scattered around the home. Furthermore, it is very important to give a great first impression to your potential buyers.

 Selling your home is very much like dating. Before a hot date, you would shower, put on your best dress/shirt and put on some nice smelling perfume/cologne, right? You would make sure everything looks great and presentable and you smell very nice. You would freak out if you suddenly find a zit on your forehead. The point is, to put your best foot forward. Wouldn't you do the same if you were selling your home? You will want to put the best foot forward, put on the best presentation.

Remember when you first move into your new home? You are so excited, and you can't wait to move in and make it your home. You want to put your drapes up and all your posters and personal photos. But over the time, you start growing tired of it, you got used to everything and the novelty wears off. You start turning a blind eye, much like your partner/wife/husband. You have lost the sense of mystery. You have seen your significant other in the worse light, the morning breath, burping after dinner, picking the nose.... So you start not seeing things. The same with your home. After you live in it for so long, you start ignoring the clutter, the dust bunnies, the dirty laundry on the floor. You become oblivious.

Another reason why you should clean up is you want to let the buyers feel that this home is well maintained. Sure the buyer probably notice that this is a brand new paint job. But you don't need to leave empty paint cans out to remind them that. Any construction materials should be put away. You want to let the buyers feel that your property is well maintained or that it doesn't need major repairs. With home prices this high (at least in SF bay area), the last thing you want to let the buyers feel is that there is a hidden price tag after they buy the house.

So let's make sure we pick up those dirty socks before the open house!